If you're looking for a new flying challenge, you'll find it behind the
controls of a floatplane. Because floatplane pilots typically operate beyond the
runways, control towers, and navigation aids of airports, they are, by
necessity, more self-sufficient than their land-based counterparts.

Approaching a high mountain lake in the middle of the wilderness in a
floatplane, it's up to you to determine where the wind is coming from, where to
land, and what to do if something goes wrong.

A floatplane is a type of seaplane—an airplane that can land on and take
off from water—and is supported on the water by pontoons, called
"floats" (another type of seaplane, a flying boat, has a fuselage with
a boat-shaped bottom that sits in the water). Seaplanes that have retractable
wheels are known as amphibians, and can land on and take off from both water and
runways.

The Cessna Caravan Amphibian in
Flight Simulator

The floatplane in Flight Simulator is a Cessna Caravan Amphibian: the largest
single-engine floatplane currently manufactured, and a versatile aircraft for
both passenger and cargo operations.

This article is an introduction to floatplane flying in general. For specific
information about the Cessna Caravan Amphibian in Flight Simulator, see the Cessna
Caravan Aircraft Information article.

Floatplanes look like landplanes, except that instead of wheels, they have
floats (or floats and wheels, in the case of an amphibian like the Cessna
Caravan Amphibian). The floats support the airplane by displacing water, just as
a boat does. The floats are made of either aluminum or fiberglass, and each has
at least four watertight compartments. Even so, most floats leak a bit, and
before each flight, a real-world floatplane pilot needs to inspect and pump any
water out of the floats. Most floats have a V-shaped bottom to cushion landings
and cut through waves, as well as "spray rails" on the inboard sides
of the floats to deflect water spray away from the propeller (thus improving the
pilot's vision and protecting the prop from pitting and corrosion). The floats
are attached to the aircraft by streamlined struts and held apart from each
other by spreader bars.

Each float has a water rudder hanging off its aft (rear) end. The water
rudders are attached to cables that go to the rudder pedals in the cockpit.
Another set of cables runs from the water rudders to a handle in the cockpit
that retracts and extends the water rudders (they should always be
"up" for takeoff and landing). Using the water rudders, you can steer
the floatplane on the water quite effectively.

Amphibians such as the Cessna Caravan Amphibian also have retractable
wheels—two on each float. The bow wheels fold up, and the wheels just behind
the step recess into the floats. Amphibious floats are much heavier than
"straight" floats, which don't have wheels.

An important part of floatplane operations (especially on the water) is
knowing what direction the wind is blowing from. In the real world, there are
many ways to determine wind direction: you can look at the surface of the water,
at trees along the shoreline, at smoke from nearby buildings or fires, or at
sailboats. In Flight Simulator, you don't have as many options:

If you're at a seaplane base, there may be a windsock.

Listen to a nearby airport's ATIS, AWOS, or ASOS broadcast.

If you're on the water, let the floatplane weathercock into the wind (see
the "Moving on Water" section).

Press SHIFT+Z once to display the aircraft's position and altitude,
as well as the wind direction and speed (for example, "130/15"
means the wind is coming from 130 degrees at 15 knots) at the aircraft's
current position.

The Displacement taxi is the slowest method of taxiing, and is so named
because the floats displace additional water when they move. The displacement
taxi should be used when approaching or leaving a dock or ramp area or when
maneuvering in a crowded harbor. Bring the throttle back to idle, and taxi at
the slowest speed possible, using the water rudders to turn (press SHIFT+W
to raise/lower). Keep in mind that you need to be moving for the rudders to be
effective. You'll probably notice that the aircraft turns faster to the left
than to the right. This is due to the left-turning tendencies of the
aircraft—something that also affects it in flight, especially at higher power
settings.

The Displacement Taxi

As you taxi, keep the yoke all the way back (toward you). This technique
keeps the propeller out of the spray, the water rudders in the water, and
prevents the bows of the floats from diving into the water. The only exception
to this procedure is if you're taxiing with a strong wind behind you. In that
case, keep the yoke all the way forward (away from you) so that the wind
striking the elevator pushes the tail of the plane down, thereby raising the
nose.

Since a floatplane is less stable on the water than a landplane is on land,
it's important that you keep the ailerons in the proper positions as you taxi,
especially if it's windy. If you're taxiing into the wind, turn the yoke into
the wind. If you're taxiing away from the wind, turn the yoke away from the
wind. Following these simple rules prevents the wind from getting under the
upwind wing and lifting it, which could capsize the floatplane.

A floatplane has more vertical surface behind its yaw axis than in front of
it and, therefore, has a tendency to weathercock (change direction into the
wind), especially when the water rudders are up. This is an easy way to tell
which way the wind is blowing. Once you're clear of obstructions, lift the water
rudders, and you'll weathercock into the wind. You can usually turn out of the
wind in no- or low-wind conditions by putting the water rudders down and using
some power. If there's a strong wind, however, you'll have to use a plowing
taxi.

The Plowing Taxi

The plowing taxi is faster than the displacement taxi, and is used to turn
the plane from upwind to downwind in windy conditions. Add power, and hold the
yoke all the way back—the bows of the floats lift out of the water, and the
floats "plow" through the water much like a snowplow through snow. The
aircraft's pivot point moves farther back, making it easier to turn. Use both
the air and water rudders to turn. One way to make the turn even easier is first
to initiate a slight turn in the opposite direction—the weathercocking
tendency helps kick the aircraft around in the direction you want to go. Once
the turn to downwind is complete, reduce the power to idle, and be careful not
to let the wind catch one side more than the other, or you'll weathercock back
into the wind.

The Plowing Taxi

The Step Taxi

The Step Taxi

The step taxi is used to taxi at even greater speeds than the displacement
taxi or plowing taxi allow. As the floats move through the water in a
displacement or plowing taxi, hydrodynamic (relating to the mechanical
properties of liquids) drag is created from the friction between the floats and
the water. The faster you taxi, the more drag there is, and if a fast
displacement or plowing taxi is maintained for a long time, the engine may
overheat. The solution to taxiing quickly is to get more of the floats out of
the water. The technique used to accomplish this is called the "step
taxi:"

To perform a step taxi

Press SHIFT+W to retract the water rudders.

Hold the yoke all the way back.

Add power until the floats begin to come out of the water.
This is called the "hump" stage.

Slowly release the back pressure so that the yoke is in a neutral
position.
The floats will settle down on top of the water and
"plane" on the back part of the floats, called the
"step."

During step taxiing, the air rudder can be used to make a "step
turn." Be careful when making step turns, however—centrifugal force acts
towards the outside of the turn and increases with speed. If you turn too
quickly, the floatplane will tip over. During a turn from upwind (into the wind)
to downwind (away from the wind), the force of the wind mostly cancels out the
centrifugal force. During a turn from downwind to upwind, both the wind and
centrifugal force act in the same direction, making the aircraft unstable. The
downwind float could get buried underwater, and the aircraft could
"trip" over itself and capsize. Therefore, in windy conditions, never
make a step turn from downwind to upwind. Use a slow displacement taxi instead.

Sailing

Sailing a floatplane

n strong wind conditions, if you need to move in any direction other than
into the wind, you can "sail." Let the floatplane weathercock into the
wind, then—with the engine at idle—let the wind blow you backwards. If you
want to sail faster, lower the flaps to make a bigger "sail" area.

To sail backwards to the left

Retract the water rudders.

Press the right rudder pedal.

Move the yoke all the way to the left.

To sail backwards to the right

Retract the water rudders.

Press the left rudder pedal.

Move the yoke all the way to the right.

To sail sideways across the wind

Use slight engine power to prevent the floatplane from drifting
backward.

Point the nose a few degrees in the direction you want to go.
The wind will strike only one side of the fuselage and push the
plane sideways.

Using the Caravan Amphibian's Beta Propeller for
Taxiing

Want to stop or move backwards? The Cessna Caravan Amphibian in
Flight Simulator has a Beta (reversing) propeller, and you can take
advantage of this feature when taxiing on the water. Press the F2
key repeatedly to move the power lever past idle into the Beta
range—the angle of the propeller blades reverses and pushes the
aircraft backwards. Use the rudder pedals to point the tail of the
aircraft in the direction you want to go. The water rudders are designed
to be most effective when the floats are moving forward, so when in
Beta, move slowly.

On land, pilots try to take off on the runway that is most closely aligned
into the wind. In a floatplane, because there are no marked runways, it's up to
you to determine where your takeoff lane is. Here's how to get airborne:

Verify the Wind Direction

See the section on "Determining the Wind Direction" earlier
in this article.

Choose a Takeoff Lane

Whenever possible, take off directly into the wind. Sometimes, you'll have no
choice and will have to take off with a crosswind—just don't let the wind lift
the upwind wing, since the downwind float will get buried in the water and you
could capsize. In a light wind, you can make a downwind takeoff if it's more
convenient. In a strong wind, however, a downwind takeoff is not recommended,
since you'll have to go faster to get to rotation speed and subject the floats
to more pounding along the way. Also, make sure there are no obstructions in the
way and that you have enough room to clear obstacles both on the water and in
your flight path.

Perform the Items on the Pre-Takeoff Checklist

Each aircraft has its own checklist that can be found on the Kneeboard. To
display the Kneeboard, press F10.

Scan the Area for Traffic

If wind conditions permit, make a 360-degree turn to scan the area for
traffic, both on the water and in the sky.

Lower the Flaps

Some aircraft have a suggested flap setting for takeoff (20 degrees for the
Caravan Amphibian). Consult the Checklist tab of the Kneeboard for the aircraft
you're flying.

Request Takeoff Clearance or Announce your Intentions

If you're at an official seaplane base or near an airport, request takeoff
clearance or announce your takeoff intentions on the radio. To learn more, see Air
Traffic Control.

The hump phase

Raise the Water Rudders

Be sure to retract the water rudders (press SHIFT+W) before you start
the takeoff run. If you leave the water rudders down, they can get damaged or
damage the floats.

Hold the Yoke All the Way Back

Just as when taxiing, hold the yoke all the way back to keep the propeller
clear of spray and the float tips out of the water as you accelerate.

Apply Takeoff Power

Apply takeoff power (1900 rpm for the Caravan Amphibian). The floats start
pushing through the water, and as the hydrodynamic pressure increases, the bows
lift out of the water, moving the propeller out of the spray. This nose-up part
of the takeoff roll is called the "hump phase" because the floatplane
looks like it's climbing over a hump. As the floatplane speeds up, the
hydrodynamic pressure on the floats builds, more of the floats lift out of the
water, and the center of hydrodynamic support moves farther aft toward the step.
The left-turning tendency is greatest during this hump phase, so be ready to
counter it with lots of right rudder. As the nose rises, you won't be able to
see much ahead—a good reason to take a careful look before taking off.

On the step

Release the Back Pressure

As the floatplane reaches its maximum nose-high attitude and more of its
weight is supported by the hydrodynamic pressure on the floats, relax the back
pressure on the yoke to return it to a neutral position. The floatplane pitches
forward and begins to plane across the surface of the water on the step. With
only part of the floats now touching the water, there is considerably less drag,
and the floatplane can accelerate to rotation speed (known as Vr—see the
Reference tab of the Kneeboard for the aircraft you're flying). Once the
floatplane is on the step, you can easily use the air rudder to change
direction. See the cautions noted in the previous section on step taxiing.

At Vr, pull back slightly on the yoke. When you reach rotation speed (50 to
60 knots for the Caravan Amphibian), you'll sense a slight acceleration as the
hydrodynamic drag disappears. Pull back gently on the yoke, and the aircraft
will fly off the water. Don't rotate too much, or you'll drag the tails of the
floats in the water!

Airborne!

Lower the Nose Slightly

After takeoff, lower the nose some (not too much, or you'll put the tips of
the floats into the water) to build speed.

Raise the Flaps

Once you've established a positive rate of climb (and 90 KIAS for the Caravan
Amphibian), raise the flaps if you've extended them.

In general, once a floatplane is in the air, it flies much like a landplane.
There are, however, two things to consider.

Don't Expect to Get Anywhere as Quickly as in a Landplane

Because of the drag created by the floats, their struts, and the associated
hardware, floatplanes climb and cruise slower than their land-based
counterparts.

Make Coordinated Turns

Because the floats add vertical surfaces to the front of the floatplane
(forward of the aircraft's yaw axis), a floatplane has less "directional
stability" than a landplane and is slower to recover from a skid. Most
manufacturers add extra vertical surfaces to the tails of floatplanes to
counteract this tendency, but it's still a good idea to keep bank angles shallow
and to make coordinated turns with the ball in the center of the turn-and-bank
indicator.

Landing a floatplane is a lot like landing a nose-wheel landplane. Here's how
to do it:

Request Landing Clearance or Announce your Intentions

If you're landing at an official seaplane base or near an airport, request
landing clearance or announce your landing intentions on the radio.

Determine the Wind Direction

See the section on "Determining the Wind Direction" earlier
in this article.

Inspect the Destination

Before you land, fly over your destination to create a mental map of where
things are—it's much harder to see things once you're on the water. Remember:
A floatplane has no brakes (although the Caravan Amphibian has a reversible
propeller), so take as much time as you need to plan your approach and taxi from
the air. Make sure the body of water is big enough for both landings and
takeoffs (for the Caravan Amphibian, you'll need at least 1,045 feet for landing
and 1,920 feet for taking off). There's nothing worse than having your brand-new
floatplane trapped on a majestic mountain lake forever. Also, be sure to check
the water conditions and look for boats, buoys, trees, power lines, and other
potential obstacles.

Choose a Landing Lane

Choose a landing lane

At some seaplane bases, there are designated landing lanes, but in general,
you choose your own. As when taking off, it's best to land into the wind if
possible. Touch down so that you'll come to a stop close to your destination.
With practice, you'll learn how much distance your floatplane needs to stop and
how to judge that distance from the air.

Using Virtual Cockpit View to Land

In Flight Simulator, landing a floatplane is easier in Virtual
Cockpit view (because you can see the water to the left of the
instrument panel). Press S to cycle views.

Fly a Standard Traffic Pattern

Unless the surrounding terrain prohibits it, fly a standard traffic pattern,
just as in a landplane.

Verify that the Water Rudders are Up

As you complete the pre-landing checklist, make sure the water rudders are
retracted (press SHIFT+W to toggle) so they don't get damaged when they
contact the water.

Verify that the Landing Gear is Up (on Amphibians)

If you're flying the Cessna Caravan Amphibian or another amphibian, make sure
the landing gear is retracted (press G to toggle). This bears repeating:
When landing on water, make sure the landing gear is up! If you land on the
water with the wheels down, the aircraft will capsize.

Set the Flaps

Just as when landing a landplane, you want to touch down at the slowest
possible speed, so use the maximum flap setting allowed for your aircraft (30
degrees for the Caravan Amphibian).

NOTE:
In the Caravan Amphibian, when the flaps are set to 20 degrees, a voice
will remind you of the landing gear's current position.

Trim

Once you're stabilized on final approach, trim to maintain the published
final approach speed (75 to 85 KIAS with 30 degrees of flaps for the Caravan
Amphibian).

Look Around

On final approach, don't fixate on the water directly in front of you. Look
at the shoreline in front or to either side so you can accurately judge your
height above the surface. You can land with the power on or at idle. Because
it's often difficult to judge your height above the water, a power-on landing is
the easier method, since you have better control over the descent rate.

The Flare

Flare

At 10 to 15 feet above the water, flare and add a little power to maintain
the landing attitude. Hold the floats just above the water. The correct landing
attitude in a floatplane is similar to that in a nose-wheel landplane. You can
fly along like this, a few feet or inches above the water, for as long as you
want to in order to avoid boat wakes or get closer to your destination.

Touchdown

Touchdown!

When you're ready to touch down, simply reduce power. As soon as the floats
contact the water (hopefully right on the step), reduce the power to idle,
unless you plan to step taxi. Remember, a floatplane has no brakes!

Gently Pull Back on the Yoke

As soon as the floats contact the water, they create drag, and the floatplane
pitches forward. The faster your touchdown speed, the greater the drag and the
greater the tendency to pitch forward, so touch down as slowly as possible.
Gently pull back on the yoke a bit to counteract the forward-pitching tendency.
When the floatplane drops off the step and slows to taxiing speed, you can pull
the yoke fully back and taxi, as described in the section on taxiing.

Amphibians like the Cessna Caravan Amphibian in Flight Simulator let you
experience the best of both worlds. You can enjoy all the thrills of a
floatplane but also land on runways! In the air and on the water, there's not
much difference between an amphibian and a regular floatplane. There are,
however, a few things to keep in mind:

Using the Caravan Amphibian's Beta Propeller for Landing

When touching down in a turboprop floatplane like the Caravan Amphibian, you
can move the throttle into the Beta range (press and hold the F2 key) to
slow down more quickly.

Landing on Water

As mentioned previously, when landing on water, make sure the landing gear is
up. Making a water landing with the gear down will result in the plane
capsizing.

Landing on Land

Although it's possible to land a floatplane on grass, snow, or even concrete
(those floats are tough), if you're flying an amphibian, you might as well use
the wheels … especially if you plan on taxiing anywhere after you land! Wheel
landings should be made as power-on landings. Don't flare too much, or you'll
bang the tails of the floats on the runway. Just make a gradual descent in the
landing attitude. As soon as the main wheels touch down, gently lower the nose.
In a crosswind, use the wing-low method, just as with a landplane.

Taxiing in the Water

Taxiing an amphibian in the water is no different from taxiing a seaplane
with straight floats—but be aware that the landing gear makes the bows of the
floats heavier, so it's important to always keep the yoke fully back when
taxiing.

Taxiing on Land

The main thing to know about taxiing an amphibian on land is that in a strong
wind, there may be a tendency to weathercock away from the wind. The vertical
surfaces in front of the amphibian's yaw axis (the floats) catch more wind than
the vertical surfaces behind the aircraft's yaw axis (the tail), and thus the
aircraft tends to yaw away from the wind.

Emergency landings in a floatplane are no different from emergency landings
in a landplane—but your chances of walking away scratch-free are better.

Landing on the Water

Landing on the water without engine power isn't too hard, especially if the
landing lane is long. Just trim the floatplane for a maximum glide (depends on
aircraft weight—see the Reference tab of the Kneeboard), and make a normal
power-off landing, preferably into the wind.

Landing on Land

In an amphibian, if you're sure you can reach a runway, then by all means use
the wheels! If you must make an emergency landing in a floatplane or in an
amphibian away from an airport, however, you can land on the floats. Whereas
wheels tend to easily get caught on things, the floats will let you slide across
a field, a glacier, or even a parking lot or road.

To land the amphibian on land using floats

Find the flattest, most obstacle-free landing site you can.

Make a normal approach (preferably into the wind), and try to land
on the step in a fairly flat attitude so that you don't hit the
tails of the floats first.

Expect the nose to pitch down on impact due to the sudden drag, so
pull the yoke all the way back as soon as you touch down.

In the event you can't find a good, flat landing area, make the best approach
you can, keep flying the airplane, and try to touch down in a flat
attitude—the floats and struts will absorb much of the impact. It won't be
pretty, but you'll probably walk away unscathed.

To get a Seaplane Rating added to their Private Pilot certificate, real-world
pilots in the United States must complete 10 to 12 hours of instruction and then
pass an FAA checkride. It's also possible for a student pilot to do his or her
Private Pilot training in a seaplane.